DJs Depart TikTok Live as New Rules Limit Music Use
Changes to TikTok’s terms of service have prompted numerous DJs to abandon the platform for live performances. In July 2023, the updated TikTok Music Terms of Service introduced restrictions that significantly impact how DJs can use the platform, particularly concerning copyrighted music.
The new rules prohibit users from altering or modifying copyrighted music or utilizing standalone audio. As a result, DJs are no longer able to share remixes or mixes of popular songs during their TikTok Live sessions. To perform music on TikTok Live, users must possess full rights to any songs or audio, a requirement that poses challenges for many artists, particularly those who typically perform at home.
DJs Respond to Policy Changes
DJ Lost One, a popular figure on TikTok, expressed his concerns to his followers, stating he would redirect his livestreaming efforts to Twitch, a platform widely used by gamers. “You can lose Live access if you stream music,” he cautioned his audience. “Please don’t risk it.” His warning highlights the growing unease among DJs regarding the sustainability of their presence on TikTok.
Many users reflected on the platform’s origins as a music-centric app. In the comments, one user noted, “That’s crazy to me because this app used to be only about music.” Others lamented the shift, suggesting that the new policies represent a move toward “sterilization and control.” A third commentator remarked, “It’s becoming Home Shopping Network. So sad, this was a beautiful app for people to unite, especially over music.”
Despite the discontent, some DJs indicated they would continue to use TikTok, albeit with adjustments. One user mentioned, “They are allowing music in the background, but you have to talk over it.” Another suggested that DJs could still stream live from public venues where the venue has already paid for the rights to use the music.
The Future of Live DJing on TikTok
As DJs navigate these new policies, the community remains divided. While some feel nostalgic for the platform’s music-oriented roots, others are eager to adapt. The reactions highlight a broader concern about the evolving landscape of music sharing and performance in the digital age.
Whether this shift will significantly alter the way DJs engage with their audiences on TikTok remains to be seen. The platform’s decision has sparked a conversation about the balance between copyright protection and artistic expression, suggesting that the future of live DJ performances on social media may look very different than it did during the pandemic.
DJ Lost One has been approached for further comment on this matter, and many in the community are keen to see how this situation continues to unfold. As the digital landscape evolves, DJs will likely seek new avenues to connect with their fans, reflecting the ongoing changes in the music industry at large.
